May 4, 2009
H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Update

To the Campus Community,

The North Carolina Division of Public Health (NCDPH) reported the first confirmed case of H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Onslow County (eastern North Carolina) on Sunday, May 3.

Because the number of suspected cases and their locations continue to increase, the NCDPH has revised its criteria for testing and handling of suspect cases. Testing will no longer be conducted for people who have symptoms of H1N1 unless they are hospitalized.

The revised guidelines mean that all people who have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever and respiratory illness, should practice social distancing and seek medical advice. It is possible that many of the people with flu-like symptoms have seasonal influenza and not H1N1.

A UNC Asheville student with mild flu-like symptoms was treated today at Student Health Services. Given the NCDPH’s revised guidelines, the student has left campus and returned home.

UNC Asheville continues to monitor the situation and is in regular contact with local and state health authorities. Updates will be provided as they are available.

All updated flu information is available at www.unca.edu/news/flu.html.

UNC Asheville News Services
828/251-6526